Do you know there is a difference between passenger vehicle tires and RV tires and RV tires? If not, don’t feel bad. Most people don’t even know that there is a difference. This article will help you understand the difference and ensure you are using the right tires for your motor home or motorcycle. When you look at two different types of tires, you may not be able to tell that they are different, but there is a big difference between them. Passenger car tires are designed for traction and handling on a variety of surfaces. RV tires are designed to withstand the weight of the RV and its contents and handle the stresses of cornering and turning. Campervan Conversion
RV tires and trailer marked “ST” on sidewall. ‘Special Trailer’ (ST) tires are built for high durability, long towing time and resistance to damage under heavy loads. Car tire manufacturers vary from car tire to car tire, so choosing the right tire for your towing application is important. Generally, trailer tires have the same thickness (or ply) from bead to bead and are built side by side. This type of construction allows for a stiffer sidewall that allows for safer driving by reducing trailer sway issues. “Passenger” (P) or “Light Truck (LT)” tires are not recommended for use on trucks, buses or trailers due to their performance. They are usually radial or slant-belted, which makes the part of the body flexible which can lead to an increase in the trailer and loss of control. Car tires determine their condition based on the depth of their tread. Since trailer tires are made from solid wall and campers don’t use them like our passenger cars, the tread doesn’t wear out as quickly, so The condition of the sidewall will be checked for all campers and trailers. . Most trailer tires have a lifespan of 3-5 years, but this can be extended significantly if the tires are treated and covered when not in use. Treating tires with tire sealant helps to soften the rubber, thus preventing rotting. If you can use tire cover, it helps prevent aging due to UV rays and weather conditions.
When replacing the tires and rims on your trailer, it is important to choose the right size and weight to match the load requirements of the RV trailer. These characteristics should be checked when replacing trailer tires.
• Tire Construction – Bias Ply or. radial
• Type of TIRE application – (ST) Special Trailer or (P) Passenger Vehicle
• CHILDREN’S TIRE MOUNTS – Allowed to load and inflate
• TIRE CHILDREN
• RIM SIZE – Diameter and width must match the tire
• RIM BOLT CIRCLE – Bolt circle diameter must match
Most people don’t know how to read the tire sidewall specifications. The metric system is the most commonly used measurement system for tire sizes. Below is an example and explanation of metric tire codes.
Metric System – (ST205 75D 15)
Tire Type (ST Special Trailer)
Width of section (205mm)
‘Parts’ (75)
Construction type (D= bias pleat)
Wide Diameter (15″)
You’ll also want to make sure you buy tires that are rated to support the full weight of your motor home. The fully loaded weight of your motorcycle is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the motorcycle. Tire marks are known, which are called “overweight.” This is the maximum amount that any tire can safely support. This should be kept in mind when choosing the right tire size. The maximum weight and maximum weight on the side of the tire is indicated by a letter that is usually between B and D. Higher letters indicate that they can support more weight. This level is used in conjunction with the size of the axles that can be supported. A higher tire size does not mean that the motorhome can handle more weight.